Zion Williamson Reacts to Rockets' Physicality, Clutch Play As Pelicans Fall

New Orleans Pelicans star forward commented about the team's performance against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 23 at Smoothie King Center.

A sellout crowd at Smoothie King Center paid to see if the New Orleans Pelicans would exact revenge for an earlier November loss to the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, the Pelicans suffered another fourth-quarter collapse with Zion Williamson and his teammates' turnovers, ineffective shooting, and missed free throws in clutch moments led to a 106-104 flop, giving Houston back-to-back victories.

In his postgame interview, Zion reflected on the New Orleans Pelicans' performance and the impact of the late turnovers. He also praised the Houston Rockets' consistency on defense. The NBA All-Star commented on the challenges of facing the Rockets' defensive strategy and acknowledged they were tougher and more physical in the contest.

Dec 23, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT ZION SAID IN THE POSTGAME INTERVIEW

On Late-Game Execution: "We gotta execute, and we can't have those turnovers. I think we had three late in the game. It's going to be hard to win like that. We can't do that."

— Zion Williamson 

On Rockets' Defensive Strategy: "They don't pick and choose which quarters. They do it the whole game. And, I mean, they living and dying with that, so it worked for them."

— Zion Williamson 

The NBA Defense Strategy: "I think it's just the kind of the way they guard...base on the scouting report, they're very good at not allowing teams really getting the paint and also contesting threes. So they kind of play a "cat and mouse game" with being in the paint while sticking close to shooters. So, they're very good at it."

— Zion Williamson 

Sengun's Night: "He played a really great game."

— Zion Williamson 

The Physicality of the Game: "They definitely played more physical than us tonight. They do it in a very collective way, where I think when we are physical, we try to do it individually. But, any great defensive player, that play physical, when I talk to them. They say if the whole team do it, the referee ain't going to call the foul on everybody. So, like I said, they collectively do it consistently. So, yeah, tonight, they were a tougher team."

— Zion Williamson 

Dec 23, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) after a play against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans outscored the Rockets in the paint, 58-46, but the Rockets had more second-chance and fast break points with 17-14 and 11-0, respectively. Sengun's 37 points on the evening was a game-high for the Rockets' big man, but the physical manner gave Jonas Valanciunas trouble, and he eventually fouled out of the match.

New Orleans has talented players that can play in the NBA. Conversely, do they have players who know how to convert clutch plays and win in today's NBA?

We shall see.